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annabarnardwright's review against another edition
dark
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.75
This book is absolutely fascinating, every page was interesting and I couldn’t put it down. The topics covered were thought provoking, frustrating and upsetting.
The author is a documentary maker convicted for unintentional tax fraud. His sentence is 5 years although he only actually serves 9 months in Wandsworth prison which is the time detailed in this diary. He befriends other white collar criminals, secures the best cell and the best prison jobs which get him a high status and more time out of his cell than everyone else. Essentially, this is an account of the best possible prison experience (and the author does acknowledge his privilege) and even then it still sounds awful.
This book gives a real insight into the failings of the prison system and how well they’re hidden from the public. I was most struck by the inequalities between prisoners, some were locked in their cells for 23 hours a day while the author seemed to mostly wander around freely thanks to his many jobs. It was so frustrating to read of prisoners missing doctors appointments, family visits and courses purely because of a disorganised system with excessive paperwork and not enough staff to physically unlock all the prisoners on time. There are so many rules and restrictions without any logical reason behind them and many instances of officers simply refusing prisoners their basic rights.
The high level of reoffending shows prison does not work as a crime deterrent. It’s unsurprising after living in inhumane conditions, being treated without respect then released without money, accommodation, employment or a support network, that many prisoners are unable to live within normal society.
Although I really enjoyed this book, I’ve only given 4.75 because of some problematic language used by the author when describing other prisoners, which was unexpected since he frequently refers to himself as a raging liberal.
The author is a documentary maker convicted for unintentional tax fraud. His sentence is 5 years although he only actually serves 9 months in Wandsworth prison which is the time detailed in this diary. He befriends other white collar criminals, secures the best cell and the best prison jobs which get him a high status and more time out of his cell than everyone else. Essentially, this is an account of the best possible prison experience (and the author does acknowledge his privilege) and even then it still sounds awful.
This book gives a real insight into the failings of the prison system and how well they’re hidden from the public. I was most struck by the inequalities between prisoners, some were locked in their cells for 23 hours a day while the author seemed to mostly wander around freely thanks to his many jobs. It was so frustrating to read of prisoners missing doctors appointments, family visits and courses purely because of a disorganised system with excessive paperwork and not enough staff to physically unlock all the prisoners on time. There are so many rules and restrictions without any logical reason behind them and many instances of officers simply refusing prisoners their basic rights.
The high level of reoffending shows prison does not work as a crime deterrent. It’s unsurprising after living in inhumane conditions, being treated without respect then released without money, accommodation, employment or a support network, that many prisoners are unable to live within normal society.
Although I really enjoyed this book, I’ve only given 4.75 because of some problematic language used by the author when describing other prisoners, which was unexpected since he frequently refers to himself as a raging liberal.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Self harm, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
rc_1991_'s review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
hopeful
informative
reflective
sad
fast-paced
4.0
Felt almost as though a Louis Theroux type character had gone to prison - a very similar tongue-in-cheek way of describing traumatic and challenging events, while also managing to remain sincere. Laughed aloud and cried in turn at this book. Honestly written, reflective and raw.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Death, Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, and Suicide attempt
elled's review against another edition
challenging
emotional
informative
inspiring
reflective
medium-paced
4.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicide and Suicidal thoughts
Moderate: Addiction and Drug use
raachelnorth's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
informative
reflective
sad
tense
medium-paced
4.5
A very insightful, brutally honest account of the UK prison system and the following living environment. Raw, personal and valuable account of the effects of continued isolation and lack of access to both rehabilitation and education. Showing how the disadvantaged are fail once again when incarcerated.
I am glad the author references and is aware of his own comparable priveledge and experience due to race and class.
He can come across as a bit unlikable at the start, but given context and self awareness shown through out you grow to really invest in him, his friends and family.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Mental illness, Confinement, Self harm, and Suicide
Moderate: Addiction, Drug abuse, Child abuse, Suicidal thoughts, Violence, and Bullying
digitalnomadgirl's review against another edition
challenging
dark
funny
hopeful
informative
medium-paced
5.0
An absolute must read. First hand account of a documentary film maker who goes to prison for tax fraud and records his experiences. An amazing honest insight which would never be shown to journalists or politicians. A funny and light hearted read but also dark and moving. Also has a lot of practical and realistic suggestions for reform. Highly recommended!!!
Content Warnings
Graphic: Suicidal thoughts, Suicide, Suicide attempt, Drug abuse, Drug use, Death, Violence, Self harm, Racism, Racial slurs, Police brutality, Panic attacks/disorders, Murder, Mental illness, Forced institutionalization, Confinement, Bullying, Blood, Alcoholism, and Addiction
susannaobrien's review against another edition
challenging
dark
informative
sad
fast-paced
3.5
Through his frank writing style, Atkins gives an eye-opening account of the horrific state of UK prisons, and the lack of empathy and efficiency with which they're run.
I appreciated his focus on mental health and the links he made between antiquated admin systems, career politicians serving their own interest, and societal views which culminate in worse circumstances for both prisoners and the wider world. At multiple moments I had to pause out of feelings of sadness and frustration at these broken institutions.
I think it's clear from the book that his experience is still hugely privileged by him being an educated white man, and he does acknowledge this at various points, however I'd have liked him to explore this further and make stronger recommendations on how prisons can avoid perpetuating the racial and economic inequities of the outside society. In an attempt to be funny, he also uses some pretty problematic language throughout (in his own voice, not just quoting others), and although he gives a relatively weak justification at quite a late stage of the book as to why (the effects of prison culture on him), it was still hard to read and might alienate readers.
Overall a decent read and has sparked some interesting conversations since.
I appreciated his focus on mental health and the links he made between antiquated admin systems, career politicians serving their own interest, and societal views which culminate in worse circumstances for both prisoners and the wider world. At multiple moments I had to pause out of feelings of sadness and frustration at these broken institutions.
I think it's clear from the book that his experience is still hugely privileged by him being an educated white man, and he does acknowledge this at various points, however I'd have liked him to explore this further and make stronger recommendations on how prisons can avoid perpetuating the racial and economic inequities of the outside society. In an attempt to be funny, he also uses some pretty problematic language throughout (in his own voice, not just quoting others), and although he gives a relatively weak justification at quite a late stage of the book as to why (the effects of prison culture on him), it was still hard to read and might alienate readers.
Overall a decent read and has sparked some interesting conversations since.
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm
Moderate: Suicide, Suicide attempt, Suicidal thoughts, Drug abuse, Drug use, and Xenophobia
Minor: Sexual violence, Violence, Vomit, Racism, and Sexism
justcallmeeej's review against another edition
challenging
dark
emotional
funny
informative
sad
fast-paced
5.0
Content Warnings
Graphic: Self harm, Suicide, Drug use, and Confinement
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